Love Rocotos. I grow them hydroponically here in Melbourne and get large numbers of enormous fruit. I slice them like tomatoes and and dry those slices in a very low oven for a couple of hours and can get a really tasty and long lasting ingredient to add to sauces or grind into flakes. Yum.
These peppers are wonderful, I learned to eat these peppers in Lima Perú and I felt in love with these peppers; now I make them glassed with sugar and we enjoy them with cream cheese on crackers! It’s delicious!!
15:55 Melbourne is actually equivalent to a US Zone 10. Even Zone 8 is too cold to grow in ground since that means the coldest temperature of the year is around -12C to -7C, which I don't think rocoto peppers can survive, even in a sheltered location. Maybe in Zone 9, they could survive in a sheltered location with some protection during the coldest winter nights. In Zone 10, which includes parts of Florida, Texas, Arizona and California, they should be ok during the winter, however in the first three of those states, the summers are very hot so they might struggle under the endless 35C+ summer days (or 33C with extreme humidity and 25C tropical nights in Florida's case), so it's mainly in coastal California that they would do well in-ground I think.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about growing these amazing peppers! I used to plant them in NH, but now I live in Florida and I have my concerns about growing them in hot weather like Florida!
Paper towel + baggie method worked well for me here in Canada where you have to start them indoors in the winter where it's only about 18C. I keep the baggies in my pocket so that my body heat makes it more like 25-30C.
A phenomenal chili from Peru /South-America. It's the main character in many peruvian dishes. It's a mountain chili growing smoothly over 2000 masl in the andean mountains from South America. Rocotos ARE NOT manzanos. It's not so difficult to grow manzanos in the US. On the other side try to grow rocotos.... It's a real challenge to simulate the original growing conditions. Rocotos are not tropical chilis. They prefer a soft cold over a shiny summer. They do well in winter . Once you have experienced the taste, flavor and heat of some of the true Rocoto pepper varieties you will find there is nothing similar in the current selection of hot peppers you are normally accustomed to.
Just bought seeds for yellow and peach Rocotos, can't wait! First time was very unsuccessful, but that was my fault. Tried sprouting the chillis on the window sill during summer. 3 weeks later I checked the temperature, to my horror it was 40 degrees celcius!!
Had my first taste on the Rocoto Red Mananzo the other day..and what an awesome surprise! Looked like a deformed Capsicum with the same wall thickness and juiciness as one, but the heat of a Thai Dragon. It's going to be perfect to bulk out a superhot chilli sauce. It's a heat that mostly hits you in the mouth and lips, not so much the kick in the throat or that sick feeling in the diaphragm you get with the reapers, ghosts or bhutlah. It's actually the first one that has given me the hiccups, but with an amazing flavour thrown in. I saved some seeds and really looking forward to growing my own. Apparently can live upwards of 15 years and trained to grow up a trellis, and very tolerant to the colder climates. 2 thumbs up for this chilli. I'm just across the ditch and in a region with a similar climate as in Melbourne.
Rocotos and manzanos ARE NOT THE SAME. They belong to the same family, pubescens, but are DIFFERENT cultivars. Rocotos are original from the andean mountains in South America (Peru and Bolivia). They have been adapted to Central America and named manzanos, thus that's a variation. Manzanos are relatively easy to grow. On the contrary , Rocotos are very difficult to cultivate because the andean mountains climate is not easy to replicate. "Rocoto Red" is correct. Rocoto Red "Manzano"??? IS NOT CORRECT. Term is not accurate. Rocoto is a southamerican mountain chili.
I tried one for the first time as well, thinking it was a cherry pepper. Took a big bite, instant regret! Instant, vicious kind of heat, lips and mouth as you said. Not the hottest thing but violent in it's burn, a surprising experience
I am devastated, after years of my plant taking over my garden bed, I decided to transplant it which was one very big mistake. Can you please tell me where I can get another plant so I can regrow this amazing plant that gave me so much chillies and brought me so much joy in sharing the harvest.
Hey Ben I think I might have gotten a rocoto fruit but not sure. The inside has black seeds and the outside looks like a tamarilo. Originally thought it was but when I cut it opened and had a taste it was a chilli. Any chance if you look at thr picture and let me know if its a rocoto or not?
Prepper Ben, do you still have seeds? I am in the southern part of WA and would like to get this awesome chilli plant growing. Fisrt got introduced to it in Peru in 2015.
Hi Ben, I grew up eating these in chillie sauce called LLAJUA....I got myself a tree but flies keep killing the fruit, even spraying it constantly....would I be better off trying to grow it indoors? Iam in Qld
Interested if you have ever grown Rocoto from cuttings? I got my current plant seeds from Tasmania and they have grown into fantastic plants but was wondering about cloning them
The seeds into this plant Capsicum Pubescens are black and harder than the light yellow fron other Capsicum Annuum, Chinense, etc. Of course you can treat the seeds and keep them dried but, it will take more time to grow up on first stage. One agricultural producer in Spain explained me this some months ago. It is easier when seeds are fresh. My system is to put the seeds first into fountain or rain water for at least 24 hours, and later into a tupper ware with wet kitchen paper inside aluminum foil. At least 4-7 daysto check the seed has root before sowing it at 1/4 of inch under ground or into jiffy.
At this moment I have more than 400 rocoto plants growing from seeds. It is very important to put the seeds into water for at least 24 hours with some drops of hydrogen peroxide. The seeds will start to start growing small root following days between 2 and 7 days at 20ºC OAT. I recommend to put 1or maximun 2 seeds into seed tray with 2x2 inches spaces. First month not under direct sun light. Rocoto palnts needs only 1/3 rd of Sunlight of a spring day. Enjoy this amazing Chile Manzano / Rocoto / Locoto plant. In this video from Mexico you will see more information th-cam.com/video/Z2lT9fzl_mg/w-d-xo.html
Hi Ben, nice video, very informative. I live in Melbourne and would love some seeds. Used to have one of these in a previous house and didn’t think to take some seeds with me. Let me know how I can grab some seeds from you.
@@bentgenetics8623 would really like some and if i May ask for some dried fruits to get me salavating for more to Come :p im not in The right climate zone but with greenhouse i should make it right?
Have just across your video. Love it! I know this video was made a while sho, but just wondering if it’s possible to take you up on your offer of some seeds? (Sydney)
Same, we don't have winter issues here, they like a cool winter, no snow, frost is ok, it's all good, just get it well established now, keep watered if no rain and all good
Hi I'm from Peru where this pepper is originally from, do you sell this seeds online? if you do may I have your link? so I can order some seeds from you? thank you
@@aa-vk6hd Sure , Peru is a country from South America where *rocotos* are originally from. Rocotos ARE NOT manzanos. Rocotos are a south american mountain chili variety, while manzanos are an adaptation, a variety from Central America
I noticed my Rocoto plant started producing black rocotos. They were green and then turned black. It’s winter here in northern California. Will they turn red eventually? 🤔
Nice! I accidentally bought a yellow/orange version last year. We were wondering why they were coming out that color. We overwintered the plant but also bought red rocoto seeds for this year. :)
I got seeds for this and have some seedlings sprout - I didn't know what they looked like till I see your video - I found out that the chilli is said to have originally come from the Andes in South America Where it has a cooler climate - I'm in the uk so that's why I thought of growing it - What is the heat level on the chilies ?
ceili they didn’t make it through the uk winter- Lost one seedling to aphids - and the other did well through summer- but it’s not very tolerant to snow or frost - - going to try the torpedo roccoto this summer-
@@ragnarandy They are very difficult to cultivate. The South American andean mountain climate is not easy to replicate. You can try manzanos. Manzanos are a rocoto adaptation to Central America weather. They are way easier to cultivate, however the final product specs are different.
I tried growing frozen seeds from imported ROCOTO from Peru BUT it doesnt take in san diego ...I also tried the provided seed from packs also NO grow! all other Ajies Ive grown worked the AJI Pineapple grew well! the srawberry AJI grows well, and the regular sunshine peppers too! I need help with the ROCOTOS.. can some one give me some tips? Thanks Tim
I always germinate my rocoto seeds in wet/damp paper towels in ziplock bags I hang on a warm, not hot, radiator or lay on the heated floor in the bathroom. Then I can check them every few days, they always have the right temperature and moisture and the germination rate has easily doubled done like this. When the seeds sprout I CAREFULLY move them to small pots (big pots don't keep the heat in the soil as well and the sprouted seeds might rot) and cover with like plastic wrap or a clear lid, leave them in the warmth until I see the seedlings emerge from the soil, then I move them under grow lights and let them grow away! Grow lights because I live in Finland and the sprouting usually occurs in January when we have next to no daylight......😭 It's s bit fiddly but very much worth it, the pubescens chillies are amazing! ❤️
i know about the hazards of the oil. I wore light rubber gloves to chop up nearly a pound to make sriracha. it penetrated the gloves and my hands burned - a serious discomfort level - for two days!
Just got some seeds from a mate..never seen these before.. .mate told us..whatever you do dont eat the seeds...or rub your face.....my partner learnt that lesson yesterday
I live in Poland and I am growing rocotos and other chili peppers, but I star in the sowing when it was winter -5, but I star in everything indoors, now the cultivation is beautiful in summer, but winter is approaching again and I am a little sad because My Rocoto plants are blooming, but I don't think they can survive the harsh winter, I'll try again next summer.... l
try to builds them a green house with see through plastic and cover the ground around with mulch so as long as the ground is not frozen I think They'll be ok
Please love to have seed ,I love it I bay if you like sent me a message place, you can put and a blended and freeze and is ameizin taste you can try sell and NY love the have a lot Peruvian people than you sent me a messenger for myi Andres
Sr your Chile rocotos it reminds my mom’s 🪴. 🇵🇪 I live n USA y porche some seeds but not luck never 👎sprout can you please give a ides or do you sale any? I well pay for ok ; thank you
Love Rocotos. I grow them hydroponically here in Melbourne and get large numbers of enormous fruit. I slice them like tomatoes and and dry those slices in a very low oven for a couple of hours and can get a really tasty and long lasting ingredient to add to sauces or grind into flakes. Yum.
These peppers are wonderful, I learned to eat these peppers in Lima Perú and I felt in love with these peppers; now I make them glassed with sugar and we enjoy them with cream cheese on crackers! It’s delicious!!
Man that sounds good.
15:55 Melbourne is actually equivalent to a US Zone 10. Even Zone 8 is too cold to grow in ground since that means the coldest temperature of the year is around -12C to -7C, which I don't think rocoto peppers can survive, even in a sheltered location.
Maybe in Zone 9, they could survive in a sheltered location with some protection during the coldest winter nights. In Zone 10, which includes parts of Florida, Texas, Arizona and California, they should be ok during the winter, however in the first three of those states, the summers are very hot so they might struggle under the endless 35C+ summer days (or 33C with extreme humidity and 25C tropical nights in Florida's case), so it's mainly in coastal California that they would do well in-ground I think.
The perfect one for me, I love that it just keeps growing year in year out.
I loved it Do you still growing ROCOTO? I am from Peru this is my favorite hot pepper Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about growing these amazing peppers! I used to plant them in NH, but now I live in Florida and I have my concerns about growing them in hot weather like Florida!
Paper towel + baggie method worked well for me here in Canada where you have to start them indoors in the winter where it's only about 18C. I keep the baggies in my pocket so that my body heat makes it more like 25-30C.
A phenomenal chili from Peru /South-America. It's the main character in many peruvian dishes. It's a mountain chili growing smoothly over 2000 masl in the andean mountains from South America. Rocotos ARE NOT manzanos. It's not so difficult to grow manzanos in the US. On the other side try to grow rocotos.... It's a real challenge to simulate the original growing conditions. Rocotos are not tropical chilis. They prefer a soft cold over a shiny summer. They do well in winter . Once you have experienced the taste, flavor and heat of some of the true Rocoto pepper varieties you will find there is nothing similar in the current selection of hot peppers you are normally accustomed to.
Just bought seeds for yellow and peach Rocotos, can't wait! First time was very unsuccessful, but that was my fault. Tried sprouting the chillis on the window sill during summer. 3 weeks later I checked the temperature, to my horror it was 40 degrees celcius!!
@@waferpie123 where are you in the us?
Hey Ben , I Had No Idea You had a 2nd Chanel . Nice to Know You are Prepping . Love Chili's , and Your Content . Take Care Man !
Had my first taste on the Rocoto Red Mananzo the other day..and what an awesome surprise! Looked like a deformed Capsicum with the same wall thickness and juiciness as one, but the heat of a Thai Dragon. It's going to be perfect to bulk out a superhot chilli sauce. It's a heat that mostly hits you in the mouth and lips, not so much the kick in the throat or that sick feeling in the diaphragm you get with the reapers, ghosts or bhutlah. It's actually the first one that has given me the hiccups, but with an amazing flavour thrown in. I saved some seeds and really looking forward to growing my own. Apparently can live upwards of 15 years and trained to grow up a trellis, and very tolerant to the colder climates. 2 thumbs up for this chilli. I'm just across the ditch and in a region with a similar climate as in Melbourne.
Rocotos and manzanos ARE NOT THE SAME. They belong to the same family, pubescens, but are DIFFERENT cultivars. Rocotos are original from the andean mountains in South America (Peru and Bolivia). They have been adapted to Central America and named manzanos, thus that's a variation. Manzanos are relatively easy to grow. On the contrary , Rocotos are very difficult to cultivate because the andean mountains climate is not easy to replicate. "Rocoto Red" is correct. Rocoto Red "Manzano"??? IS NOT CORRECT. Term is not accurate. Rocoto is a southamerican mountain chili.
@@apoloonce1712 Theyre close though
I tried one for the first time as well, thinking it was a cherry pepper. Took a big bite, instant regret! Instant, vicious kind of heat, lips and mouth as you said. Not the hottest thing but violent in it's burn, a surprising experience
Great video. Thank you for making it. I’m in nw Melb are seeds still available to try out ? Thanks 😊
what a huge plant
I am devastated, after years of my plant taking over my garden bed, I decided to transplant it which was one very big mistake. Can you please tell me where I can get another plant so I can regrow this amazing plant that gave me so much chillies and brought me so much joy in sharing the harvest.
Hey Ben I think I might have gotten a rocoto fruit but not sure. The inside has black seeds and the outside looks like a tamarilo. Originally thought it was but when I cut it opened and had a taste it was a chilli. Any chance if you look at thr picture and let me know if its a rocoto or not?
Hey Ben I just saw your video. Im in Melbourne too any chance I could have some seeds ??
Prepper Ben, do you still have seeds? I am in the southern part of WA and would like to get this awesome chilli plant growing. Fisrt got introduced to it in Peru in 2015.
This makes for the tastier hot sauces I've had. Specially the one made with milk serum, sublime.
Would it survive outside a Canadian winter?
Is there any chance to get a few seeds? I can't get them at home.
Silly question - my Rocoto is 1 year old now and has just grown it's first flowers, are these flowers where the fruit starts to grow?
Yes, it's all happening now, flowers will be pollnated by bees, fruit will follow and you'll be in chili business
@@prepperben7753 oh great thanks!
How could I get some seeds from you?
Am devastated....my beloved plant has died....do you have any for sale?
Hi Ben, I grew up eating these in chillie sauce called LLAJUA....I got myself a tree but flies keep killing the fruit, even spraying it constantly....would I be better off trying to grow it indoors? Iam in Qld
Interested if you have ever grown Rocoto from cuttings? I got my current plant seeds from Tasmania and they have grown into fantastic plants but was wondering about cloning them
Do these grow the same as manzano peppers? Great video
They are the same
Hi Ben, I live in Melbourne.i would love a rocoto chilli plant or seeds. How do I contact you.
If you create an email account like hardlycrafty@gmail.com, I could contact and send you seeds. Best regards.
Hello Ben is it possible that I can buy a plant from you I'm from south texas?
I never knew you could plant seeds right out of the fruit.
The seeds into this plant Capsicum Pubescens are black and harder than the light yellow fron other Capsicum Annuum, Chinense, etc.
Of course you can treat the seeds and keep them dried but, it will take more time to grow up on first stage. One agricultural producer in Spain explained me this some months ago. It is easier when seeds are fresh.
My system is to put the seeds first into fountain or rain water for at least 24 hours, and later into a tupper ware with wet kitchen paper inside aluminum foil. At least 4-7 daysto check the seed has root before sowing it at 1/4 of inch under ground or into jiffy.
At this moment I have more than 400 rocoto plants growing from seeds.
It is very important to put the seeds into water for at least 24 hours with some drops of hydrogen peroxide. The seeds will start to start growing small root following days between 2 and 7 days at 20ºC OAT. I recommend to put 1or maximun 2 seeds into seed tray with 2x2 inches spaces. First month not under direct sun light. Rocoto palnts needs only 1/3 rd of Sunlight of a spring day.
Enjoy this amazing Chile Manzano / Rocoto / Locoto plant.
In this video from Mexico you will see more information
th-cam.com/video/Z2lT9fzl_mg/w-d-xo.html
@@franciscofernandezfelix2040 Gracias!
Hi Ben, nice video, very informative. I live in Melbourne and would love some seeds. Used to have one of these in a previous house and didn’t think to take some seeds with me. Let me know how I can grab some seeds from you.
Id love to get my hands on some seeds :D love chilli yum..
Did you ever get seeds
@@bentgenetics8623 nope sadly not
@@christophers7053 I have some if you would like any.
@@bentgenetics8623 would really like some and if i May ask for some dried fruits to get me salavating for more to Come :p im not in The right climate zone but with greenhouse i should make it right?
@@christophers7053 I just have seeds, had to freeze the rest to make sauce and their the orange manzano's.
Have just across your video. Love it! I know this video was made a while sho, but just wondering if it’s possible to take you up on your offer of some seeds? (Sydney)
What is the best temperature to germinate these seeds?
25-28 C°
Hi Ben.. I just got one of these..
Which state are you in?
I'm in Melbourne and was curious about overwintering my plant!
Cheers
Same, we don't have winter issues here, they like a cool winter, no snow, frost is ok, it's all good, just get it well established now, keep watered if no rain and all good
Hi I'm from Peru where this pepper is originally from, do you sell this seeds online? if you do may I have your link? so I can order some seeds from you? thank you
From "PERU"
@@aa-vk6hd Sure , Peru is a country from South America where *rocotos* are originally from. Rocotos ARE NOT manzanos. Rocotos are a south american mountain chili variety, while manzanos are an adaptation, a variety from Central America
Thanks!
Where did you get this seeds
Yes please. Would love some seeds.
I would absolutely LOVE some seeds if you still have, please. How much would it be to send to South Africa?
is it possible to get seeds
Hi Ben, i am trying to grow rocoto chilli, but not luck... mate any chance to buy a 3 or 4 weeks old from you?
Cheers,
Alejandro
Pepper Ben where can you get the seeds for this pepper?
I leave in Melbourne would love to come and pick some seeds up
Hi I am in Melbourne and unable to find seeds. Can I get some please.
Sure, send me an email weeeben@optusnet.com.au
I noticed my Rocoto plant started producing black rocotos. They were green and then turned black. It’s winter here in northern California. Will they turn red eventually? 🤔
Kinda late but there are different colors for rocoto. Red one is the most known in Peru, as well as the most used, from what I remember.
Actually, after some time they went from black to red and yummy 😋
Nice! I accidentally bought a yellow/orange version last year. We were wondering why they were coming out that color. We overwintered the plant but also bought red rocoto seeds for this year. :)
good video, thank you!!
I got seeds for this and have some seedlings sprout -
I didn't know what they looked like till I see your video -
I found out that the chilli is said to have originally come from the Andes in South America
Where it has a cooler climate -
I'm in the uk so that's why I thought of growing it -
What is the heat level on the chilies ?
6-7/10
ragnar andy how are your plants doing?
ceili they didn’t make it through the uk winter- Lost one seedling to aphids - and the other did well through summer- but it’s not very tolerant to snow or frost - - going to try the torpedo roccoto this summer-
@@ragnarandy They are very difficult to cultivate. The South American andean mountain climate is not easy to replicate. You can try manzanos. Manzanos are a rocoto adaptation to Central America weather. They are way easier to cultivate, however the final product specs are different.
Giuliano Paolo thanks I'll take a look at that , and see what they are like -
Many thanks 👌👍😀
How long time did you grow before the seeds started to sprout?
I'm growing indoors under growing light, how 'wet' should I keep the soil?
about 12 days, i water at the start then next week, spray mist top, not too wet
I tried growing frozen seeds from imported ROCOTO from Peru BUT it doesnt take in san diego ...I also tried the provided seed from packs also NO grow! all other Ajies Ive grown worked the AJI Pineapple grew well! the srawberry AJI grows well, and the regular sunshine peppers too! I need help with the ROCOTOS.. can some one give me some tips?
Thanks
Tim
I always germinate my rocoto seeds in wet/damp paper towels in ziplock bags I hang on a warm, not hot, radiator or lay on the heated floor in the bathroom. Then I can check them every few days, they always have the right temperature and moisture and the germination rate has easily doubled done like this.
When the seeds sprout I CAREFULLY move them to small pots (big pots don't keep the heat in the soil as well and the sprouted seeds might rot) and cover with like plastic wrap or a clear lid, leave them in the warmth until I see the seedlings emerge from the soil, then I move them under grow lights and let them grow away! Grow lights because I live in Finland and the sprouting usually occurs in January when we have next to no daylight......😭
It's s bit fiddly but very much worth it, the pubescens chillies are amazing! ❤️
Supa strong Supa structucha
i know about the hazards of the oil. I wore light rubber gloves to chop up nearly a pound to make sriracha. it penetrated the gloves and my hands burned - a serious discomfort level - for two days!
rubbing lime on you hands or sugars will neutralize the oils of the rocoto
Would you be able to sell me some seed please
I would love some of those seeds
Just got some seeds from a mate..never seen these before..
.mate told us..whatever you do dont eat the seeds...or rub your face.....my partner learnt that lesson yesterday
and dont forget to wash your hand before you handle the old fella 🤣
when you have such a big plant, why on earth you sow seeds and dont propagate with cuttings?
When you clone a plant it is the same age as the mother, starting from seed is a fresh beginning
I live in Poland and I am growing rocotos and other chili peppers, but I star in the sowing when it was winter -5, but I star in everything indoors, now the cultivation is beautiful in summer, but winter is approaching again and I am a little sad because My Rocoto plants are blooming, but I don't think they can survive the harsh winter, I'll try again next summer.... l
try to builds them a green house with see through plastic and cover the ground around with mulch so as long as the ground is not frozen I think They'll be ok
Can sell me a plant 😋
Sale some seeds is so good ,I just pay 7 for 4
Please love to have seed ,I love it I bay if you like sent me a message place, you can put and a blended and freeze and is ameizin taste you can try sell and NY love the have a lot Peruvian people than you sent me a messenger for myi Andres
Sr your Chile rocotos it reminds my mom’s 🪴. 🇵🇪 I live n USA y porche some seeds but not luck never 👎sprout can you please give a ides or do you sale any? I well pay for ok ; thank you